Corn picker



y 1939- A. w. OEHLER :1- AL CORN P I CKBR Original Filed Jan. 10, 1936 4Sheets-Sheet 2 [Ni ENTOR Km 9% A TTORNE Y5.

May 30, 1939. A. w. OEHLER El AL 2,160,435

CORN PICKBR Original Filed Jan. 10. 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 A TTORNE Y3.

Patented May 30, 19 39 PATENT OFFICE com: manna Ralph L. Anderson,Moline, Ill., assignors to Deere & Company. Moline, [1].,

Illinois Alvin W. Oehler and a corporation of Application January 10,1936, Serial No. 58,449 Renewed December 2, 1937 50 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to agricultural implements andis particularly concerned with implements and the like adapted to be connected with and propelled by a tractor, the whole constituting acomplete operative machine.

The principal object of the present invention is the provision of a newand improved agricultural machine comprising corn picking and huskingunits mounted at opposite sides on atractor and discharging the ears ofcorn rearwardly into a wagon or other containerpulled at the rear of thetractor. 7

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a new andimproved frame construction for such a machi e, embodying a generally'Ushaped frame embracing the tractor and connected therewith, togetherwith independently movable wheel means separate from the tractor wheelsand arranged to support a substantial portion of the weight of theimplement frame and operating units so as to relieve the tractor of suchstresses.

A. further object of the present invention is the provision of animproved agricultural machine comprising a frame connected witha tractorso as to move therewith and provided with independently movable wheelsconnected with the implement frame 'by spring means and toggle-mechanism low the irregularities of the ground surface, movingindependently or both'the implement frame and the tractor while at thesame time carrying a substantial portion of theweight of the implementframe and operating means thereon.

.Another object ofthe present invention'is the provision of an implementframe adapted to be attached to and propelled by a tractor and disposedso that the operating units carried on the frame are arranged in alow-down position. whereby the machine as a whole is not renderedtop-heavy or difllcult to control and maneuver, and particularly is itan object of the. present invention to provide such -an implement inwhich the operating unit orunits'are carried in subilxed relation withrespect to the tracwith means carrying a substantial portion of theweight of the attachment. and movable. independentlyo! the tractor whileat the same time supporting afull share of the load. .hnadditional'obiectl-oi the am m me t W383 cmhracmg .the pivotallyconnected at its the so arranged that each wheel. can fols rate imlement uppo tin present invention nus 2 7 1940 frame at its forward endby height adjusting means, whereby the wheels of the tractor infollowing the ground irregularities serve to gauge the height ofoperation of the unit -or-units carried by the frame, in connection withindependently suspended weight carrying wheel means serving to relievethe tractor ofasubstantlal portion, and in many cases a major portion,of the weight ofthe implement itself.

Further, another object of the present invention is the provision ofimproved implement means detachably connected with a tractor andincluding a generally U-shaped frame embracing the tractor and havingits open end disposed rearwardly, together with elevator meanscompleting the open rear end of the implement frame and detachablyconnected with the latter so as to permit a ready connection of theimplement with and disconnection iromthe tractor.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of animproved corn picking "and husking machine embodying a detachableelevator and blower means, forming apart of the huskingmechanism,detachable with the elevator. In this connection, a further object ofthe present invention is'the provision of improved means for driving theblower from the power take-oil ofthe tractor, which meansis arrangedtoaccommodate the relative movement between the implement frame and thetractor when the picking units are adjusted relative tothe ground. l

A, further object of the present invention is the provision of new andimproved connections for driving the various operating units from thepower take-on or the tractor. These and other objects and advantages ofthe present invention will be apparent to those skilled y in the artafter a consideration of the iollowing detailed description of thepreferred structural embodiment, conjunction with the accompanyin'gdrawings illustrating such embodiinent; I

Figure l is a plan view of an agricultural machine constrncted accordingto the principles of the present'invention;

. 2 ma side view d the machine shown inl lcuroi Figure sisanenlarged-side view, mam-a broken away in order to bettorillustrate theconstruction oi the driving assuEo and 2, the tractor upon which most ofthe operatbar sections Ill and a in ing units are mounted is indicatedby the reference numeral I and includes a steering truck 2 carryingdirlgible wheels I. The tractor I also includes a rear axle housingstructure I (Figure 4) in which drive axles i and 6 are journaled andwhich at their outer ends adiustably carry r'ear traction wheels I andI. The tractor I receives and is embraced by an implement framestructure of generally U-shaped formation, indicated in its entirety bythe reference numeral II. The U-shaped frame It supports a pair ofpicker units It and it, a pair of husking units "and II, and an elevatorII. the latter being carried on the rear end of the frame II. Thetractor I also includes a draw bar structure Ill (Figures 2 and 3) towhich the pole II of a wagon I2 is connected, as by a clevis 23 or thelike, the wagon being disposed relative to the elevator I! so that thelatter discharges the picked and husked ears of corn into the grain boxof the wagon. From Figure 1 itwillbeseenthattherelsapickerunitandahuslr'er unit at each side of the tractor and that the elevator II isdisposed centrally at the rear of the tractor, Generally upwardly andrearwardly extending conveyors ll and 2' form a part of the picker unitsII and I. and serve to convey the picked ears of corn to the rolls ofthe bucking units H and I.

The main frame I! of the implement comprises a horizontally m edU-shaped angle member 10 embracing the forward end of the tractor, asbest seen in Figural. The ends of the U-shaped frame bar 30 extendrearwardly alongside the front portion of the tractor and terminate inlaterally outwardly deflected portions II and I! (Figure 4) to which twogenerally horizontally disposed frame bare it and II are secured. Theselatter frame bars extend fore and aft substantlally the entire length ofthe'tractor and terminate, respectively, iii-downwardly and for- W yportions II and "(Figures 3 and 4) to which'the picker units," and Itare fastened. To eachof'theframe bars "and 34, adjacent the upperendsfof the inclined sections as and as thereof, is rigidly secured alaterally outwardlydirected' cross frame member 40, best shown indlsure4. A sub-frame member or angle bar ll, 18 boltedht its rear end to eachof forwardly "j and downwardly abnwde the frame 7 generally parallel.relation. The sub-frame ll thus cooperate with the frame sections is anda to sup- Port the picker units I8 and l;; l. The latter units are ofgenerally conventional construction, em- ;bodying suitable gathererpoints it and 4|v Fi 'ure 1) arranged in close proximity to or incontact with theground alongside the front tractor wheels I. The pickerunits It and II also include upper and lower gatherer, chains of more orless conventional construction but which will be refeifred to later inc'onn'ection with the means for driving the various operating units fromthe power of the tractorinotor.

A second pair ofsubeframe members II and 48 are connected at theirforward ends, as at ",to the cross frame members ll laterally outwardlythe cross fr'ainemembers III, as at 42, and extends bers 41 and toextend forwardly and downwardly.

as at Ii and 52, and also laterally inwardly a short distance,terminating in ends bolted, as at 53. to the picker sub-frame members MrA.

cross-frame member 84 at the rear serves to rigidly connect the rearends of the frame members 3!. 34, I1 and 48, the member Bl beingdetachably fixed in place, since it is necessary to tomove this memberand associated parts in attaching and detaching the implement to andfrom the tractor. as will be explained later. A pair of longitudinallyextending brace rods I! and II are disposed at opposite sides of thetractor and are anchored at their rear ends, as at ll (Figures 3 and 4),to the main frame bars a and 34. The brace rods 58 and 51 pass overcompression struts 60 (Figure 3) ilxed to the frame members I! and 34,the forward ends of the brace rods I! and I1 being secured, as at O8, tothe forward portion of the U-shaped frame member 80, as best shown inFigural. Preferably, but not necessarily. the forward ends of the braceor tie rods II and II are fastened by the same bolts that secure inplace the inner ends of the curved yokes 04 that form a part of thepicker units.

The implement frame If is connected at opposite ends to the tractor, oneconnection taking the form of pivot means permitting the frame to tiltwith respect to the tractor while the other connecting means takes theform of adjusting mechanism whereby the front end of the implement framecan be-raised or lowered relative to the tractor for the purpose ofadjusting the operating position of the picker units with respect to theground, the position of the forward portions of the picker units thusbeing gauged by the front wheels I of the tractor. The pivot connectionbetween the frame If and the tractor i is disposed well toward the rearof the frame and. as bestshowninFigures2,3 and6,takesthe form of a pairof brackets l0, one being disposed at each side of the tractor. Eachbracket is of sufflclent width toprovide for the adequate support ofboth the inner and outerframe members at each side of the tractor. andsince these brackets III are duplicates, except that one is right handand the other left hand. only one will be described in detail.

Referring now to Figure 6. which shows the right hand frame bracket, itwill be seen that the bracket comprises a laterally outer standard ll.preferably in the form of an angle member, secured by bolts 12 to theouter or sub-frame memupper end, and at its lower end the standard llparries .a sleeve ll securely fixed thereto, as by: welding or the like.A second or inner standard, indicated in its entirety by the referencenumeral II, is disposed in the. plane of the inner or main frame bar 34and oonststs of three interconnected members, ll, 18 and II. The upperend of the first member I1 is bolted as at Ii tothe main frame bar 34.and the'lower end of the standard section II carries a sleeve 82 weldedthereto and disposed in axial alignment with the companion outer sleeveII fixed to the lower end of the outer standard II. A plate I! isbolted. as at 84 and II. to the vertical standards TH and ",the platebcing'provided with an opening It to accommodate the driving shaft forthe units carried at the right side of the implement frame, as will beexplained later.

Each bracket 10 is pivotally connected at its lower end to theassociated end of the tractor rear axle housing 4. In the case of theright hand bracket, a plate 90 is bolted, as at 9|, to the end of thetractor rear axle housing and at its lower end is provided with axiallyaligned trunnions.02. A pivot pin 94 is passed through the sleeves I3and 02 and the trunnions 92 on the bracket plate 90. The pivot pin 94 issecured in position at its inner end by a cotter pin 95, or by any othersuitable means that can be detached or released, and is bent angularly,as at 90, at its other end for the same purpose and also for the purposeof serving as a handle or the like to facilitate the removal of the pin94 when it is desired to detach the implement from the tractor. The lefthand bracket is supported by similar means, and since the brackets I arerigidly attached tothe rear portion of the implement frame and since thelower ends of the brackets I0 are pivoted to companion brackets carriedby the tractor, the implement frame is capable of vertical swingingmovement relative to the tractor about the pivot axis defined by thepivot pins 94. I

The forward portion of the agricultural implement is connected with thetractor by adjusting means which is capable of being manually controlledso as to govern the position of the frame relative to the tractor. FromFigure 3 it will be noted that the downwardly and forwardly disposedportions of the implement frame lie substantially in the verticaltransverse plane passing through the tractor front wheels 3 and comefairly close to the ground. The tractor wheels 3 can thus be utilizedfor gauging the height of the front end of the machine, and theaforesaid adjusting means serves, therefore, to adjust the 45 formed inthe vertical flange of the downwardly and forwardly inclined portions ofthe associated frame bars 35 and 36.

A controlling arm I I0 is fixed to the right hand end of the adjustingshaft I00 and carries suitable latch mechanism III (Figure 4)cooperating with a sector II2 (Figure 3) fixed to the right hand bracketIOI so that when the latch mechanism III engages the sector, thecontrolling arm IIO holds the rock shaft in a given angular position,thus determining the elevation of the front end of the implement framerelative to the tractor. An adjusting lever H is mounted at the rear ofthe tractor adjacent the operator's position upon suitable pivot meansH6, which preferably includes a pin I" (Figure 4) carried at one end onan angle bar H8 fixed to the platform at the rear of the tractor. A linkI20 connects the lever I5 with the controlling arm H0, the link beingpivotally connected, as at I2I and I22, with the lever and arm,respectively. The hand lever H5 carries a grip I25 which is pivoted tothe lever at I20 and is connected to a rod I22 that extendslongitudinally of the hand lever III and, in turn, is connected with achain I20 which passes around a sheave carried on the hand lever I5. Thechain I30 is connected with a forwardly extending link I32 which at itsforward end is connected with a second chain section I which also passesover a sheave mounted for rotation on the pivot member I22. The lowerend of the chain section I83 is connected with the latch mechanism IIIby any suitable means, such as a link I34 (Figure 4) in such a mannerthat when the hand grip I25 is depressed, the latch mechanism III isreleased from the sector II2, permitting the hand lever II5 to swing thecontrolling arm IIO either forwardly or rearwardly, thus rocking theshaft I00 and raising or lowering the front end of the implement frame.Releasing the hand grip I25 then permits the latch mechanism III toreengage the sector and lock the adjusting shaft I00 in position,thereby holding the implement frame in the adjusted position to which itwas moved. Thereafter, the implement frame moves with the tractor infollowing the irregularities of the ground surface.

While the implement frame I2 and associated operating units are '50connected with the tractor that they move therewith as the lattertraverses the field, according to the principles of the presentinvention all of the weight of the implement frame and the operatingunits is not imposed on the tractor. dependently suspended groundengaging wheel means, separate from the tractor wheels, and associatedspring means for sustaining a principal part of the weight of theimplement frame and operating parts so as to relieve the tractor ofthese stresses. In the preferred construction, the arrangement of thesprings and the wheel suspending means is such that the amount that eachwheel supports is about the same, irrespective of the vertical positionof the wheel with respect to the frame, within normal operating limitsso that each of the implement wheels will follow the contour of theground, ride over obstructions and follow through depressions and yetcarry its proportionate share of the weight of the implement.Preferably, also, the independently suspended wheels, together with thebrackets I0, support practically all of the weight of the implement sothat only a very small portion, if any, is carried by the adjustingshaft I00 and arms I03 at thefront of the tractor.

Referring now more particularly to Figures 3 and 4, the intermediateportion of the frame of the implement at each side of the tractor hasconnected thereto the independently suspended wheel unit at that side ofthe tractor, and since each of the implement wheel units issubstantially the same. a description of one will suflice. In Figure 3,the right. hand wheel, indicated by the reference numeral I50 in Figure4, has been removed so as to clarify the showing of the toggle andspring mechanism and associated parts. The wheel I50 is Journaled forrotation on a steering axle I5I, the latter having a steering spindleiournaled for lateral swinging movement In a sleeve I02 secured inrigidly fixed relation to a push bar I04 at the forward end portion ofthe latter. Preferably, the sleeve I52 is fixedly secured, as bywelding, to a laterally outwardly directed bracket or ear I55 which, inturn, is welded, as at I58, to the forward end of the push bar I54. Therear end of the latter is fixedly secured to a U-shaped yoke I02 havingrearwardly directed apertured ends I80 and I00 (Figure 6) to which Iswelded collars I" and I02 journaled over the outer and Inner ends,respectively, of the sleeves I2 and 02 fixed to the lower ends of thebracket standards II and IS. The yoke III at the rear end of the pushbar I Is reenforced by triangular gusset plates I00 and I08 which may bewelded to the yoke I00 and the rear portions of the push her I04, asbest shown in Fig- The present invention includes in-' ure 4. Theforward end of the push bar I54 is provided with two spaced angles I10that embrace and travel vertically along a track member "I bolted at itsupper end to the rear end of the sub-frame member 4 I. The lower end ofthe track member IN is reenforced by a brace I15 which is connected toand extends from the lower end of the track member I" upwardly andforwardly to a point of connection with the downwardly and forwardlyextending frame member 4I. By virtue of this means, the up and downswinging of each of the push bars I54 is guided. Aligned openings I00are formed in the angles I10 and are adapted to register with one of aseries of openings IBI formed in the track I1I. By inserting a suitablemembensuch as a pin, the position of the push bar I54 may be fixed, thisusually being done when the implement is to be detached from thetractor, as will be explained later.

A toggle mechanism is connected between the implement frame I2 and thevertically swingable wheel I50. Such toggle mechanism comprises an uppertoggle link indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral I andcomprising a laterally rigid structure made up of two spaced bars I9Iand I92 (Figure 4) rigidly fastened together by interconnected crossbraces I93. At its upper end the link I90 has the upper ends of the barsI9I and I92 apertured and provided with suitable bearing sleeves toreceive a pivot pin I which is supported in brackets I96 and I91carried, respectlvely, by the frame members 34 and 48, being preferablybolted thereto, as. best shown in Figure 4. At the lower end of the linkI90, the bars I!!! and I92 carry an intermediate pivot pin I99 to whichthe upper end of a lower pivot link, indicated in its entirety in Figure3 by the reference numeral 200, is connected. The toggle link member200, like the link member I90, also comprises two bars 201 and 202(Figure 4) the upper ends of which are apertured to receive the pivotpin I99 and the lower ends of which are pivoted, as by a pin 204, to abracket 205 fixed to the push bar I54, being welded or otherwise rigidlysecured thereto.

A U-shaped clevis 2I0 is disposed between the toggle links MI and 202(Figure 4) and receives the forward ends of a pair of springs 2, therear ends of which are anchored to an ear 2I4 fixed to the rear end ofthe push bar I54, as best shown in Figure 3. The springs 2II exert aconstant tendency to straighten out the toggle mechanism I90, 200,thereby loading some of the weight of the implement onto the wheel I50,and preferably the springs are arranged to exert a pull sumcient tosustain practically all of the weight of the implement at the right sideof the machine not carried upon the frame bracket 10. The upper ends ofthe lower pivot bars 20I and 202 are formed to extend forwardly, so asto dispose the pivot pin I99 considerably out of alignment with respectto the upper and lower pivots I95 and 204, and the pin I99 is disposedfar enough in advance of the position of the pins I95 and 204 that whenthe wheel I50 drops into a depression, for example, the somewhat reducedtension of the springs 2 resulting from the rearward movement of thepivot pin I 99 is offset by the approach of the toggle links I90 and.200 toward their straightened position, whereby the reduced tension ofthe springs has a proportionately greater mechanical advantage inloading the weight of the implement frame and operating units onto theindependently suspended wheel. When the wheel I50 rides over anobstruction the greater angularity of the links is counterbalanced bythe increased tension in the springs 2| I. By virtue of thisarrangement, the amount of weight carried by the wheel is more or lessindependent of its position relative to the tractor so that each wheelcarries its share of the weight of the implement while at the same timefollowing the irregularities of the ground surface.

The implement wheel unit at the left hand side of the machine issubstantially the same as has been described above so that a furtherdescription thereof is unnecessary, the left-hand wheel, indicated bythe reference numeral being connected to support its proportional shareof the weight of the implement while yet capable of independent verticalmovement by toggle and spring mechanism which preferably issubstantially identical with that just described. Accordingly, the samereference numerals employed above have been applied to the wheel unit atthe left side of the machine.

The right and left implement wheels I50 and I50 are connected to swingabout their vertical axes, defined by the spindle sleeves I52, in theproper steering relation with respect to the dirigible wheels 3 of thetractor by means which is substantially the same as the steeringarrangement shown in the patent issued June 11, 1935, to' Wilbur J.Coultas and Norman F. Andrews, N 0. 2,004,720, to which reference may bebad if desired. Referring now more particularly to Figure 4, the wheelspindles I52 carry steering arms 220 which extend rearwardly and attheir inner ends pivotally receive adjustable steering links HI and 222.The innermost ends of the adjustable links 22I and 222 are pivoted to apair of brackets 224 fixed to opposite sides of a longitudinallydisposed tube 225. The rear end of the tube 225 is pivoted, as at 229,to an arm 229 that is rigidly connected to and forms a part of theforward ends of the members 230 and 23L constituting the draw bar 20,which are bolted at 232 (Figure 3) to the rear axle housing 4 of thetractor.

The front end of the steering tube 225 carries a stub shaft extension230 which is slidably received in a trunnion block 231 to which theupper and lower bars of a rearwardly extending steering arm 230 arepivotally connected. The

arm 230 is rigidly secured to the intermediate the tractor. Accidentalwithdrawal of the bar 236 from the sleeve 231 is prevented by a chainconnection 245 between the member 231 and the front end of the tube 225,the chain 245 being connected to the forward end of the tube 225 by abracket 246, as best shown in Figure 4. If desired, the member 231 maybe fixed to the stub shaft 236 and the latter may be made slidablewithin the forward end of the steering tube 225.

The picker units I5 and I6 of the husking units I1 and I0, as mentionedabove, are mounted upon the implement frame I2, the units I5 and I1being on the left side of the tractor I and the units I6 and I0 beingmounted on the implement frame at the right side of the tractor. Thepresent invention is not concerned with the particular details per se ofthese units, it being sufficient to mention that the picker and huskerdetails may be similar to those employed in the harvester shown in thepatent issued July 24, 1934, to Wilbur J.

Coultas and Norman F. Andrews, No. 1,967,498, .75

to which reference may be bad if necessary. In general, each of thepicker units includes inner and outer sets of gatherer chains 2" and "2operating in conjunction with an inner snapping roll 2 and an outersnapping roll 28! (Figure 1). According to the present invention,however, the two picker units It and it are driven by separateconnections with the power take-oi! shaft of the referredto later. Theforward driving sprocket on the power take-off shaft 2" M ths tractor isconnected by a sprocket chain 215 with a suit-y able sprocket carried atthe rear end of a driving shaft 2'" that is journaled in a bearingsleeve I'll carried on a bracket 21! bolted to the right hand portion ofthe tractor rear axle, preferably by the same bolts 91 that fasten thebracket 90 in position, although this is not necessary.

- in mesh with a companion bevel gear 298 fixed to the rear end of thesupporting shaft 299 of the inner picker roll 2. The outer pickerroll Iis driven from the inner roll by any suitable means, such as a pair ofspur gears or the like. If desired, a slip clutch "I may be operativelyassociatedwith the shaft 218 on the tractor so as to prevent overloadingany of the associated parts. Preferably, the bracket 2 supporting theshaft III is reenforced by a brace 306 bolted to the cross frame member40 and adiustably secured to the lower end of the bracket 2, as bestshown in Figure 3. By virtue of the'slip or telescopic shaft 2" andassociated universal joint connections with shafts I'll and Ill, thedrive from the power take-oil of the tractor to the picker unit iseffective at all times while accommodating any relative movement betweenthe implement frame I! and the tractor, such as occurs whenthe adjustingmeans I I6, Ill] is actuated to raise or lower the gatherer points lland H.

The picker unit at the left side of the tractor is driven by connectionswhich, for all practical purposes. are substantial duplicates of theparts Just described. Therefore further description is unnecessary, andthe same reference numerals have been employed to indicate correspondingparts of the drive for the left hand picker unit It.

Referring again to'the right hand .picker unit II, the power for drivingthe gatherer chains 20! and It! is derived from the shaft 199 of theinner picking roll 26!. Referring first to Figure 3, a sprocket ismounted on the shaft 298 and is preferably connected therewith through aslip clutch I", and a chain 3") is trained over the aforesaid sprocketand over a sprocket 3 (Figure 1) fixed to the upper portion of a shaftIII that extends downwardly and forwardly and is operatively connectedwith the inner gatherer chain "I to drive the same. The uppermost end ofthe shaft III carries another sprocket I20 over which a chain III istrained so as to drive a shaft 32], the latter having a sprocket at itsupper and receiving the chain Hi, and the shaft 12! is connected todrive the outer gatherer chain 282. The

'gatherer chains for the left hand unit are driven in the same manner,and hence a further description is unnecessary. 1

The right and left hand elevator units 25 and 2B are driven.respectively, by suitable connections with the outer gatherer chain ofeach of the associated picker units. In the case of the right handelevator unit 25, the elevator chain of this unit, indicated at 330(Figures 1 and 2), is trained at its lower end over a sprocket (notshown) fixed to. the lower end of a shaft in which at its upper endcarries a sprocket "I (Figure 2) driven from the gatherer chain 262. Theelevator chain 330 of the left hand unit 28 (Figure 1) is driven in thesame manner.

, Each of the husker units l1 and I8 is driven by an appropriateconnection with the picker driving shaft at that side of the tractor. Asbest shown in Figure 4, the inner picking roll drive shaft 283 carries asprocket I over which the lower end of a husker driving chain 3 (Figure3) is trained. In Figure 3, the lower portion of the driving chain "Ifor the right hand unit is shown in full lines while the upper portionof the driving chain I for the left hand unit is shown in dotted lines.The upper end of chain 3 for the left hand unit is trained over asprocket connected through a slip clutch 343 with the forward end of ahusker drive shaft 3. The rear end of the shaft 3 is connected by a pairof bevel gears 346 with a transversely disposed husker drive shaft 3",the drive shaft for the left hand unit I! being indicated in Figure 3and the drive shaft 341 for the right hand unit l8 being shown in Figure2,. Each of the shafts 3 is supported by a tubular member 350 which isfixed to the frame numeral 365, and the conveyor for the left hand unitis indicated by the reference numeral 388. Each includes a more or lessconventional slat conveyor operatingover a plate bottom 361 (Figure 4),and each of the husker units also includes an ear retarder mechanism 388driven from a sprocket 869 that is connected by a chain I'll with asprocket 3H fixed to a shaft 312 at the rear end of the husk conveyor.Thus, the ear retarder mechanism for eachunit is driven from therear endof the associated huskconveyor for that unit.

The elevator ii) at the rear end of the machine is preferably supportedfrom the rear ends of the implement frame bars 33 and 34. To this end.

- 883 that areflxed to or formed as an integral part of a generallyvertically disposed U-shaped supporting bracket 39!. The latter isfastened at its upper end, as best shownin Figure 5, to the iii.

rear ends of the frame bars It and 14 by bolts "I and is reenforced bybraces 3 which are also secured at their upper ends to the frame bars 38and II by bolts III or the like. The lower portion of the elevatorhousing I" carries a laterally extended hopper 398 which is adapted toreceive the ears of corn discharged from both of the husking units l1and Id.

The elevator is includes an elevating chain 400 provided with paddles I(Figure 4) and is trained at its lower end over a sprocket ill (Figure3) mounted, on an elevator drive shaft 5. The shaft "I is journaled inthe bearings "2 that receive the elevator housing supporting brackets"I. as set forth above. The shaft 408 extends outwardly of the housingat the left end, asindicated in dotted lines in Figure 4, and carries agear It that meshes with agear "I carried by a shaft I supported bysuitable brackets 8 carried on the rearwardly extending arms "I thatsupport the lower end of the elevator housing. One end of the shaft 408carries a sprocket I (Fisure 3) around which is trained the sprocketchain Iii that extends upwardly to a sprocket I mounted on the laterallyinwardly extended end of the rear husk conveyor shaft 112 for the lefthand unit H, as indicated in Figure 5. Thus, the left hand husker unitI! serves to drive the elevator ll serving both of the husker units l1and II. The elevator is is held in proper inclined position byadJustable tension rods 4 It, and preferably, but not necessarily, thehopper "I, receiving-the ears of corn from the two husker units II andII, is fixed to and forms an integral part of the housing I80 of theelevator it. As best indicated at ill in Figures 2 and 3, the elevatorhopper 881 is cut away to accommodate the removable rear cross framemember It.

The discharge spout I20 of the elevator it empties into the wagon 22,and the pole II of the wagon is preferably one that includes twosections "I and III hinged together. as best indicated in Figure 2, by ahinge pin 42.. when being drawn by the picker in rear of the latter, thefront pole section H6 is folded back upon the rear section III. Thelatter section carriesthe clevis II which is connected in drafttransmitting relation to the draw bar I. of the tractor, as previouslymentioned, bya hitch plate "I (Figure 4) fixed to the rear ends of thebars 230 and "I forming the tractor drawbar 2|. Preferably. the hitchplate I2. is provided with a number of holes "9 in any one of which theclevis pin llil may be isposed The generally U-shaped bracket 3 uponwhich the elevator II is carried also serves as a support for a bloweroperatively associated with both of the husklng units i1 and II for thepurpose of removing husks and the like and discharging them onto theground. Referring now more partiouiarly to Figures 8, .4 and 5, theblower comprises a rotor I (Figure 3) fixed to a shaft I," iournaled forrotation on the blower casing 444 (Figure 5). The latter is providedwith a pair of oppositely disposed outlets S and I which are connected,respectively. to ducts I and I by detachablebands 0 and lie. The ducts 1and '8 receiving the. discharged blast of air from the blower I arecarried, respectively, as fixed parts of the husker units l1 and it. Theducts 1 and m discharge unwardrs ably. the discharge ends of the ducts mand m arouses are provided with divided passageways, as indimembers Iand 468 are disposed in vertically spaced relation and securely boltedto the supporting bracket I, as best shown in Figure 5. The cross bracesor members 4 and I receive and support the blower II, the latter beingsecured to the braces by bolt means 6 or the equivalent. The lower brace"5 also carries a pivot pin 8 upon which a belt tightener 469 ismounted. The belt tightener 469 includes a pulley 410 urged against thebelt 460 by a spring "I. Remembering that there is relative movementbetween the frame i2, and the elevator structure carried at the rear endthereof, and the tractor when the front end of the implement is adjustedvertically, it will be seen that the belt tightener 48! serves to keepthe belt 460 taut as the machine is adjusted about the pivot axis 94 bymeans of the lifting lever Iii.

In operation assuming that the implement frame and all of its operatingunits have been properly mounted and connected, the machine is adaptedto traverse two rows of: corn, these stalks being guided into thepicking rolls by the gatherer points 48 and II. Usually, the adjustinglever 45 is so disposed that these parts run along the ground in orderto pick up any down or leaning stalks. The operation of the pickingrolls removes the ears of corn, together with most of the husks attachedthereto. and the ears are then picked up by the conveyors I5 and 26 andmoved rearwardly, preferably by the laterally inner runs of the chainsm, find discharged into the husking units I1 and it, coming intoengagement with the husking rolls 3" and pressed down thereagainst bythe ear retarder means 368. Each of the husker units is driven, aspointed out above, from the associated driving connections for thepicker unit at that side of the machine, and the operation of the unitsl1 and I8 result in the removal of the husks, silks and the like fromthe ears of corn, the blower directing a blast of air upwardly throughthe screened openings "4 of both units, forwardly between the upper andlower runs of the conveyors III and 880, and finally upwardly throughthe upper runs, carrying away the bucks, silks and the like out of theforward end of the machine where such material is deflected downwardlyby any suitable means, such as the shields indicated at dill in Figure2. The husked ears of corn are discharged rearwardly from the rear endsof the husker units ii and II into the elevator hopper I" from whichthey are picked up by the elevator chain Mill and carried r'earwardlyand upwardly and finally discharged overthe spout 420 into the wagon I2pulled at the rear of the machine. As themachine traverses the ground,the independently movable wheels ill and lid follow any irreguiaritiesof the ground surface, but the toggle mechanism serves at all times tosupport a substantial portion of the weight of the implement andassociated operating units.

When it is desired to detach the implement from the tractor. it is arelatively simple matter to remove the few parts to be disconnected andmove back the tractor out from betweenthe sides of the U-shaped frame.First, the supporting brackets 3. carrying the blower I and the elevatoris,

is removed by disconnecting the bolts 89! and the bolts "1 holding the-dia onal braces I in place. Next the elevator ve chain Ill and theblower drive belt (I are removed, and lastly the cross frame member ifis detached. The implement frame I! is then tilted to its forwarde mostposition by moving the adjusting lever ll! forwardly, and then theforward ends of the push bars I" are fixed to the associated tracks I'llby inserting pins through the registering openings I 180' and IN. Thismaintains the implement supporting wheels I50 and IMF in rigid relationwith respect to the implement frame ii. A jack is then placed under therear end of each of the push bars I54 and adjusted to take the weight ofthe rear end of the implement off the pins II, 'and when this is donethe cotter pins 05 are detached and the pins 94 removed.

. Next, the steering connections are released by disconnecting thebrackets 224 from the tubular member 22!, whereby the links I and 222will drop out out of the way of the front wheels I of the tractor. Thetilting connection is released by removing the pins l0! associated withthe arms I03 of the rock shaft I". The tractor can then be backed freeof the implement, and during such movement the telescopic shaftconnections 2" automatically separate. If desired, of course, the boltsholding the universal joints "I to theforward end of the shafts 216 maybe removed.

While we have shown and described above the preferred structure in'which the principles of the present invention have beemembodied. it isto be understood that our present invention is not to be limited to thespecific details shown and described above, but that, in fact,widely'dilferent means may be employed in the'practice of the broaderaspects of our invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

What we claim, therefore, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. The combination with a tractor, of an agriculturalimplementcomprising a frame. means carried thereby.

rigidly connecting the frame with the tractor so as to-move bodilytherewith, operating means supported by said frame, and ground engagingwheel means movably connected with said frame so as to accommodatemovement of the frame with, thmetractbnrelative toithel-ground-and arran ed to supp t a principal ortion of the weight of the frame and theoperating means 2. The combination with a tractor havingsupportingwheels, of an agricultural implement comprising aframefastened to the tractor and movable therewith, operating meanscarried by said frameincluding parts relatively close to the ground andgauged with respect thereto by the-wheels of the tractor, and separatewheel means connected with the implement frame so as to move withrespect to the implement frame when the tractor traverses irregularitiesin the ground. said separate wheel means being adapted to support asubstantial portion of the weight of said frame and said operating meansduring their relative movement with respect to said implement frame.

3. The combination with a tractor having front and rear wheels, of animplement comprising a frame embracing the tractor and fastened thereto,operating units carried at each side of the tractor and having portionsdisposed alongside the front vwheels of the tractor closely adjacent tothe ground, said front wheels serving thereby as gauge means fordetermining the position of stantially constant portion of the weight ofthe implement frameand operating means, independently of the position ofthe supporting wheel means relative to either the tractor or the frame.

5. The combination with a tractor, of an agricultural implementcomprising a frame connected with the tractor so as to move therewith, apair of toggle links pivotally connected at one end with said frame,independently movable 3013-.

porting wheel means connected with the lower V end of each of saidtoggles, and spring means biasing said toggle links for movement so asto subject said wheel means to a substantial portion of the weight ofsaid implement frame and associated parts while accommodating theindependent movement of said wheel means relative to the tractor andsaid frame.

6. The combination with a tractor, of an agricultural implementcomprising a generally U- shaped frame embracing the tractor, downwardlyextending brackets fastened to said frame and pivotally connected withthe tractor to support at least a portion of the weight of the frame onthe latter, adjusting mechanism connecting the forward portion of saidframe with the tractor so that the frame moves with 'the latter,supporting wheel means movable independently of both the tractor andsaid frame and each including rearwardly extending push bars connectedto swing vertically about the pivot axes established by said brackets,and spring mechanism connecting said wheel means with said frame forsupporting at least a portion of the weight of the latter on said wheelmeans.

7. The combination with a tractor having front steering wheels and arear axle housing, of an agricultural implement comprising a frame ofsubstantially horizontal U-shape with the open ends of the frame at therear of the tractor and embracing the latter, downwardly extendingsupporting brackets carried by the sides of said frame, means pivotallyconnecting the lower ends of said brackets to the rear axle housing ofthe tractor, a forward portion of said frame being disposed jacent thetransverse plane of the front wheels of the tractor, and adjustingmechanism connecting the front portion of said frame with the tractorand shiftable to vary the position of the frame relative to the tractor.8. The combination with a tractor, of an agricultural implementcomprising a generally horizontally disposed U-shaped frame embracingthe tractor and having its ends extending rearwardly,

downwardly extending bracket means fastened to the rear ends of saidframe and pivotally con- .necting the latter to the rear axle housing ofthe tractor, the forward portion of said frame including generallydownwardly and forwardly disposed parts arranged closely adjacent to thefront wheels of the tractor, picking rolls mounted for rotation on saiddownwardly and forwardly extending portion of the implement frame. meansto g l disposed at each side of the tractor on the rear wardly disposedend portions of said U-shaped frame substantially over said downwardlyextending brackets and including parts adjacent the operator's positionon the tractor and m below the upper'portions of the rear wheels of thetractor, and conveying mechanism extending from said picking rolls tosaid husking means.

9. The combination with a tractor. of an agricultural implementcomprising a generally -U- u shaped frame means with the open endsdisposed rearwardly and provided with downwardly and forwardly extendingparts disposed adjacent the front wheels 'of the tractor, bracket meansconnected with the rear ends of said frame means and pivotally connectedwith the tractor for adjusting movement relative thereto about atransverse axis, an adjusting rock shaft mounted on the front portion ofthe tractor, arms fixed to the ends of said rock shaft and movably congsnected with certain of the downwardly and forwardly extending p rtionsof said frame means. whereby the rotation of said rockshaft adjusts theposition of the front end of said frame means relative to the tractor,and adjusting so mechanism opsratively connected with said rock shaftfor controlling the position thereof.

10. The combination with a tractor having front and rear wheels and rearaxle housing and associated shafts connected with the latter, of

as an agricultural implement frame detachably connected with the tractorand comprising a generally U-shaped frame bar embracing the forwardportion of the tractor, generally horisontally disposed frame barsconnected with the ac ends of said U-shaped member and extendingalongside the tractor in parallel relation, the front ends ofsaid-horizontal frame members extending forwardly and downwardly topoints adjacentthefront wheelsofthetractor, acrossgsmemberconnectedtoeachofsaidforwardly anddownwardlyextendingfrunebaraaseeond framememberearriedlaterallyoutwardlyofandingenerallyparallelreiatlonwithrespecttosaid horimntal frame member. theforward end of gusaidsecondhorlsontalmemberbeingconnectedwiththeassociatedcrosamemberand downwardly and forwardly therefrun. andhachetmeansrigidlyeonnectedtothetwollarallelframememhersateachsldeoftheimllptanmtframeandcxtendimdownwardlyandnlvotallyconnectedtotherearaxlehcmlnrof IL'Ihe combination with atractor frontandrearwheelsandrearaxlellmsingand 'associatedshaftswiththelattuzof anagricultnralimplementframedetachabiywiththetrachn'anda manyuwapedtramebarernhraeing theforwardporflonofthetnctomgcnerallyhnrllontallydkposedframebarsconnectedwiththemdsofsaid U-shapedmesnberand alongside the tractor in parallel relaflm.thefrontendsofsaidhorlsontalframemelnhersextendingforwardbanddownwardlytopohtsadjacqitthcfrontwheelsof'the tractm'. acrossmernberconnectedtoeachofsaidforwardlyand laterallyggandingenerallyparallelrelationwithrespeet to said horizontal framemember. the forward end of said second horizontal member being connectedwith the associated cross member and extending downwardly and forwardlytherefrom, bracket means rigidly connected to the two parallel framemembers at each side of the implement frame and extending downwardly andpivotally connected to the rear axle housing, a

laterally rigid toggle link disposed at each side of the tractor andconnected at its upper end to both of said parallel frame bars at thatside and appreciably forward of the bracket at that side. a second linkcompleting the toggle and connected at its upper end to the lower end ofsaid first toggle link. wheel supporting means connected at the lowerend of each of said second toggle links, a push bar at each side of thetractor operatively connected with the wheel means at that side. andspring means arranged to exert a force tending to straighten said togglelinks, whereby the effect of said spring means is to cause said wheelmeans to support a substantial portion of the weight of said implementframe. the tension of said spring means decreasing as the associatedtoggle links are moved toward their straightened position.

12. The combination with a tractor having a power take-off, of anagricultural implement comprising a generally U-shaped frame havingdownwardly and forwardly extending portions at each side of the tractor,a set of picking rolls disposed at each side of the tractor andfournaled for rotation in said downwardly and forwardly extending frameportions. bracket means carried by said frame portions at each side ofthe tractor, a shaft journaled in each of said brackets and operativelyconnected to drive said picking rolls, means supporting said frame foradjustment relative to the tractor, a second set of brackets carried onthe tractor, one at each sldethereof,ashaftmountedineachofsaidlast namedbrackets and operatively connected to be driven from the power take-o!of the tractor.

,andmeansincludingtelescopicshaftsections operatively connecting saidtractor supported shaftswithsaid-pllckingrollshaftsandproviding forrelative moment to accom-.

modateadlushnentofsaidframerelativetothe tractor.

'13.!hecombinationwithatractorhavinga power take-off, of an agriculturalimplement comprising a generally U-shaped frameembracingthetractorandsupportedatleastinparttherehy,the'forwardportionofsaidframeineluding generally downwardly andforwardly ertendingpartaapickingunitateach#deoftheh'actorandonthedownforwardly extendingparts at thatside,meansfordrivlngeachofsaidunitsincludingagenerallylongitudinallydisposedshaftlomnfledfcrrotaflmcnsaidframemeansfor drtvingsatdshaftstrolnthepowertakwflil husklmunitdisposedoneachsideoftheandcan-iedattherearthcreofon w' Hons of the frame. and means f r drrvlneacnorsamnuskingumtsrranths fl shaftfortheassociatedplckingofthetractor.

14.1'hewithatractor.0f 8 cultural I M shapedframehavlngdownwardlylndextending portionsat the front of thcmflekfngmiltscan'ledthmflmmcflmthetraictonapairofhusking'units n8! ,ing units on the other side of thetractor, an elevator unit carried at the rear end of said frame in aposition to receive material coming from both of said husking units, andmeans for driving said elevator unit from one of said husking units.

15. The combination with a tractor, of an agricultural implementcomprising a generally U- shaped frame embracing the tractor anddisposed horizontally on opposite sides thereof, means liking theimplement frame to the tractor, the ends of said frame extendingrearwardly, picking and husking units carried on said frame, a generallydownwardly disposed bracket fastened at the rear of said frame to bothof the ends thereof, and an elevator unit fastened to said bracket anddisposed at the rear of the tractor in a position to receive materialfrom both of saidhusking units.

16. The combination with a tractor having a power take-oil shaftextending from the rear end thereof, of an agricultural implementcomprising a generally u-shaped frame disposed in a horizontal positionwith the ends of the frame extending rearwardly, means fixing theimplement frame to the tractor, a husking unit and a picking unitcarried by said frame at each side of the tractor, the picking unitsbeing carried at the forward portion of said frame and the husking unitsbeing carried on the rear end portions of said frame, means for drivingsaid husklng and picking units from the power take-off of the tractor, adownwardly disposed bracket having its upper endportions connected,respectively, to the rear ends of said implement frame, a blowerarranged to deliver a blast of air to each of said hulking units andsupported by said bracket adjacent the power take-off of the tractor,means driving said blower from said power take-off, and an elevator unitdisposed to the rear of the tractor and carried upon said bracket in aposition tomreceive material from both of said husking u ts.

7. The combination with a tractor having a power take-off shaft at therear thereof, of an agricultural implement comprising a generallyU-shaped frame having its intermediate portion embracing the front ofthe tractor and its ends rearwardly, operating means including a pickingunit and a husking unit carried by said frame at each side of" thetractor, means pivotally connecting the rear portion of said frame withthe tractor, adjusting mechanism movably connecting the front portion ofsaid frame with the tractor, means for driving said husking and pickingunits from the power take-off of said tractor, an elevatorunit disposedat the rear of the tractor and including elevatingmeans and a sub-framecarrying one end of the elevating means and detachably connected withthe rear ends of said U- shaped frame, a blower carried by saidsub-frameand detachable with said elevator unit from the tractor, said blowerbeing adapted to direct a blast of air into both of the husking units,and detachable means for driving said blower from the power take-oil ofsaid tractor.

18. The combination with a tractor having a power take-03, of anagricultural implement comprising a generally U-shaped frame embracingthe forward portion of the tractor, operating units supported on saidframe at each side of the tractor, a drive shaft for each of said unitsjournaled for rotation on said frame, a pair of shafts journaled forrotation on the tractor and operatively connected with the powertake-off of the latter, and telescopic sections connecting the shafts ateach side of the tractor and providing for the disconnection of saiddriving connections by relative rearward movement of the tractor withrespect to said frame.

19. The combination with a main supporting unit, of an auxiliary unitcomprising a frame connected with the supporting unit so as to movetherewith, ground engaging means connected with said frame for movementwith respect thereto, and means reacting against said frame and biasingsaid ground engaging means for downward movement for causing the latterto support a substantial portion of the weight of said frame andassociated parts.

20. The combination with a tractor, of an agricultural implementcomprising a frame connected with the tractor so as to move therewith,means movably connected with said frame, supporting wheel meansconnected with said means, and spring means biasing said movable meansfor movement so as to subject said wheel means to a substantial portionof the weight of said implement frame and associated parts whileaccommodating the movement of said wheel means relative to the tractorand said frame.

21. The combination with a tractor, of an agricultural impiementcomprising a frame, means pivotally connecting said frame adjacent oneend thereof with the tractor so as to support at least a portion of theweight of the frame on the latter, adjusting mechanism connectedadjacent the other end of said frame and with the tractor so that theframe moves with the latter, supporting wheel means movableindependently of both the tractor and said frame, and spring mechanismconnecting said wheel means with said frame for supporting at least aportion of the weight of the latter on said wheel means andaccommodating said independent movement thereof relative to the tractorand said frame.

22. The combination with a tractor, of an agricultural implementcomprising a generally U- shaped frame embracing the tractor, meansconnecting said frame with the tractor so as to cause the frame to movetherewith at all times, an operating unit supported on said frame andextending to a point adjacent the ground at the forward end of thetractor, supporting wheel means movable independently of both thetractor and said frame so as to follow irregularities in the groundsurface, and spring mechanism connecting said wheel means with saidframe so as to load a substantial portion of the weight of the frame andsaid unit on said wheel means while gauging the position of theoperating unit in accordance with the front end of the tractorindependently of the position of said wheel means relative to saidframe.

23. The combination with a tractor, of an agricultural implementcomprising a. generally horizontally disposed U-shaped frame embracingthe tractor and having its ends extending rearwardly, bracket meansfastened to the rear ends of said frame and pivotally connecting thelatter to the tractor, the forward portion of said frame includinggenerally downwardly and forwardiy disposed parts arranged closelyadjacent to the front wheels of the tractor, picking rolls mounted forrotation on said downwardly and forwardly extending portion of theimplement frame. means fixing the front portion of said frame to thetractor so that the front wheels of the latter serve as gauging meansfor the forward ends of said picking rolls, husking mechanism disposedat each side of the tractor on the rearwardly disposed end portions ofsaid U-shaped frame and including parts disposed adjacent the operator'sposition on the tractor and below the upper portions of the rear wheelsof the tractor, and conveying mechanism extending from said pickingrolls to said husking means.

24. The combination with a tractor, of an agricultural implementcomprising a frame, operating means carried by said frame, meansfastening the frame to the tractor so as to move with the latter, loadsupporting wheel means movable independently of the tractor and frame,means for guiding the movement of the wheel means relative thereto, andmeans for loading a substantial portion of the weight of the implementframe and operating means on said supporting wheel means whileaccommodating the movement of the latter relative to the tractor and theframe.

25. The combination with a tractor, of an agricultural implementsupported thereon and movable coadunatively therewith, wheel meansseparate from the tractor for supporting a portion of the weight of theimplement, and means for connecting said wheel means to the implementfor vertical movement relative thereto.

28. The combination with a tractor, of an implement having a frame,means connecting said frame to the tractor in a fixed position relativethereto. wheel means separate from the tractor, connections forconnecting said wheel means movably with said frame, and means forapplying a yielding upthrust through said connections against saidframe.

2'1. 'Ihe combination with a tractor, of an implement having a frame,means connecting said frame to the tractor including means foradjustably fixing the position of said frame relative to said tractor,wheel means separate from the tractor and having movable connectionsbetween said wheel means and said frame, and means for ap' plying ayielding upthrust through said connections against said frame.

28. The combination with a tractor havin supporting wheels, of anagricultural implement comprising a frame fastened to the tractor andmovable coadunatively therewith, operating means carried by said frameincluding parts disposed relatively close to the ground and gauged withrespect thereto by the wheels of the tractor, and separate wheel meansoperativeiy connected with the implement frame so as to support aportion of the weight of said implement.

,29. The combination with a tractor, of an implement having a frame,means connecting said frame to the tractor including means foradjustably fixing the position of said frame relative to said tractor,wheel means connected to said frame and movable vertically relativethereto. and spring means exerting a lifting force on said frame andreacting against said wheel means, thereby relieving the tractor of aportion of the weight of said implement.

30. The combination with a tractor, of an implement having a frame,means connecting said frame to the tractor including means foradiustabiy fixing the position of said frame relative tolaldtractonwheelmeansconnectedtosaidframe and movable verticallyrelative thereto. spring meansexertingaliftingforcsonsaidframe dreacting against-said wheel means. and sp disabling means for optionallylocking said wheel means and said frame against relative verticalmovement.

31. The combination with a tractor, of an implement having a frame,means connecting said frame to the tractor including means foradjustably fixing the position of said frame relative to said tractor,wheel means connected to said frame and movable vertically relativethereto, spring means exerting a lifting force on said frame andreacting against said wheel means, and spring disabling means foroptionally locking said wheel means to said frame in various positionsof said wheel means relative to said frame.

32. The combination with a tractor having steering means, of animplement having a frame, means connecting said frame to said trac torincluding means for adlustably fixing the position of said framerelative to the tractor, auxiliary supporting wheels connected to saidframe and movable vertically relative thereto, spring means exerting alifting force on said frame and reacting against said wheel means, andmeans responsive to said tractor steering means for steering saidauxiliary wheels.

33. In' combination with a tractor having a longitudinally extendingbody, a transversely disposed rear axle housing, and front and rearcarrying wheels, an implement comprising a frame, means for pivotallysup rting said frame on said rear axle housing for vertical swingingmovement relative to said tractor, means for adjustably fixing saidframe relative to said tractor, and a ground engaging element forsupporting a portion of the weight of said implement, said element beingmovably connected with said implement and having resilient means actins'downwardly upon said element and reacting against said implement fordetermining the load- ,7 ing upon said ground engaging element.

34. The combination with a tractor, of an agricultural machinecomprising a frame, pivot means for supporting at least a portion of theweight of said frame on said tractor for vertical swinging movementrelative thereto, adjusting mechanism connecting said frame to saidtractor at a point spaced from said pivot means for holding said framerigid with respect to said tractor, supporting wheel means movableindependently of both the tractor andsaid frame ineluding fore and aftextending wheel supporting members connected to said tractor forvertical swinging movement, and spring mechanism connecting said wheelmeans with said frame for supporting at least a portion of the weight ofthe latter on said wheel means.

35. In combination with a tractor having a longitudinally extendingbody, a tra disposed rear axle housing, and front and rear carryingwheels, a harvesting implement comprising a gathering unit at its rearend to said rear axle housing and extending forsecuring wardly alongsidethe tractor. body,

means, spaced longitudinally from said connection of said gatheringunit. for firing the position of the latter relative to the tractor,supporting wheel means movable vertically indepondently of both thetractor and implement.- and spring mechanism acting downwardly upon saidwheel means and reacting upwardly upon .aaid implement for supporting atleast a portion said frame to the tractor in normailyflmsd roleverticalmovement of said wheels relative to said frame and also for rotation ofeach of said wheels about vertical axes.

37. In combination, a vehicle frame, front and rear supporting wheelstherefor, an implement frame supported on said vehicle frame and movablerelative thereto, means for adiustably fixing said implement framerelative to said vehicle frame, an additional supporting wheel movablerelative to said implement frame and to said vehicle frame and connectedto one of said frames, and means acting downwardly upon said additionalwheel and upwardly against one of said frames for determining the weightcarried by said wheel.

3 8. In combination, a vehicle frame. front and rear supporting wheelstherefor, an implement frame supported on said vehicle frame and movablerelative thereto, means for adiustably flxing said implement framerelative to said vehicle frame, an additional supporting wheel movablerelative to said implementframe and to said vehicle frame and connectedto one oi" said frames, means acting downwardly upon saidadditioii'alwheel and upwardly against one of said frames fordetermining the weight carried by said wheel, and means for steeringsaid additional wheel.

39. In combination, a vehicle frame, front and rear supporting wheelstherefor, an implement frame supported on said vehicle frame and movablerelative thereto, means for adiustably fixing said implement framerelative to said vehicle frame, a pair of additional supporting wheelsdisposed intermediate said vehicle supporting wheels, lever arm meansconnecting said wheels with said implement frame permitting verticalmovement of said wheels relative to said implement frame and providingfor swinging of each of said wheels about vertical axes, and springmeans coacting with said lever arm means, for

determining the weight carried on said addifor said frame disposed onopposite sides of the tractor intermediate of said fore and aftsupporting wheels, means for connecting said wheels to said implementframe, said connecting means providing for independent verticalmovementof said wheelsrelative to said frame and providing forhorizontal swinging movement of said wheels, and means acting throughsaid connecting means, for determining the weight carried on saidadditional wheels.

41. In combination with a tractor having a body supported on fore andaft carrying wheels, 9. corn harvesting implement including a gatheringunit disposed alongside the tractor body and having a frame supportedthereon in normally fixed position relative thereto, an additionalsupporting wheel for said implement frame disposed intermediate saidfore and aft carrying wheels,

.a wheel supporting vertical spindle associated withsaid additionalwheel, a longitudinally extending arm pivoted to said implement framefor swingably mounted on said arm for movement about a substantiallyvertical axis, spring means connected betweensaid arm and said implementframe and acting to force said arm downwardly .ditional supporting wheeland reacting upwardly against said attachment frame, said means beingadjustable to determine the proportion of weight carried by saidadditional wheel.

43. In combination, a vehicle frame, front and rear supporting wheelstherefor, an attachment frame, means for detachably connecting thelatter frame to said vehicle frame, an additional supporting wheelspaced longitudinally of said front and rear vehicle supporting wheels,means for connecting said additional wheel to said attachment frame forvertical movement relative thereto and for pivotal movement relative tosaid attachment frame about a substantially vertical axis,and meansacting downwardly upon said additional wheel and upwardly against saidattachment frame for determining the weight carried by said wheel.

44. In combination, a vehicle frame, front and rear supporting wheelstherefor, an attachment frame, means for detachably connecting thelatter frame to said vehicle frame, an additional supporting wheelspaced longitudinally of said front and rear vehicle supporting wheels,means for connecting said additional wheel to said attachment frame forvertical movement relative thereto and for pivotal movement relative tosaid attachment frame about a substantially vertical axis, and meansacting downwardly upon said additional wheel and upwardly against saidattachment frame for determining the weight carried by said wheel, saidlast named means being adjustable to determine the proportion of weightcarried bysaid additional wheel.

45. In combination, a vehicle frame, front and rear supporting wheelstherefor, an attachment frame, means for detachably connecting thelatter frame tosaid vehicle frame, an additional supporting wheel spacedlongitudinally of said front and rear vehicle supporting wheels, meansfor connecting said additional wheel to said attachment frame forvertical movement relative thereto and for pivotal movement relative tosaid attachment frame about a substantially vertical axis, means actingdownwardly upon said additional wheel and upwardly against saidattachment frame for determiningthe weight carried by said wheel, andmeans for steering said additional wheel. I

46. In combination, a vehicle frame, front and rear supporting wheelstherefor, an attachment frame, means for detachably connecting thelatter frame to said vehicle frame, an additional supporting wheelspaced longitudinally of said front and rear vehicle supporting wheels,means for connecting said ..iditional wheelto said attachment frame forvertical movement relative thereto and for pivotal movement relative tosaid attachment frame about a substantially vertical axis, means actingdownwardly upon said additional wheel and upwardly against saidattachment frame for determining the weight carried by said wheel, saidlast named means being adjustable to determine the proportion of weightcarried by said additional wheel. and means for steering said additionalwheel.

47. In combination, a wheel supported vehicle frame, an attachment framemounted on said vehicle frame in normally fixed relation thereto. anadditional supporting wheel movable relative to said attachment frameand to said vehicle frame and connected to one of said frames,

acting downwardly upon said additional wheel and upwardly against one ofsaid frames for determining the weight carried by said wheel. and

means for optionally connecting said wheel rigid ly to one of saidframes to prevent relative movement therebetween.

50. In combination. a vehicle frame, front and rear supportingwheelstherefor. an attachment frame, means for detachably mounting the latterframe on said vehicle frame. an additional.

supporting wheel connected to said attachment frame for verticalmovement relative thereto. yielding means acting downwardly upon saidadditional supporting wheel and reacting upward- 1y against saidattachment frame, and means for optionally connecting said wheel rigidlyto said attachment frame to prevent said relative vertical movement toprovide for supporting said attachment frame rigidly upon said wheelwhen the vehicle frame is removed from the attachment frame.

ALVIN W. OEHLER. RALPH L. ANDERSON.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No 2, 160, h86.

ALvIn w. 0mm, ET AL.'

It is herebyeortitied that errorappears in the printed specification ofthe above numbered patent requiring correction asfellows: PageT, firstcolumn, line z zyfor the wordal'out out read out;

page 10, first column,

line 50, c1aim25-, after- "thereto" arxibef'oro the period insert theand to said tractor; and that the said Letters Patent shouldbe read withthis correction theretnthat the uneasy conform to the record of the casein the Patent Office Signed and sealed this 1st day of August; A. D.1959.

Benny Van Lrsdale, Acting comissioner of Patents.

by said wheel, said last named means being adjustable to determine theproportion of weight carried by said additional wheel. and means forsteering said additional wheel.

47. In combination, a wheel supported vehicle frame, an attachment framemounted on said vehicle frame in normally fixed relation thereto. anadditional supporting wheel movable relative to said attachment frameand to said vehicle frame and connected to one of said frames, and meansacting downwardly upon said additional wheel and upwardly against one ofsaid frames for determining the weight carried by said wheel.

48. The combination set forth in claim 47 wherein said means is arrangedto act upwardly against said attachment frame.

. 49. In combination, a wheel supported vehicle frame, an attachmentframe mounted on said vehicle frame in normally fixed relation thereto,an additional supporting wheel movable relative to said attachment frameand to said vehicle frame and connected to one of said frames. meansacting downwardly upon said additional wheel and upwardly against one ofsaid frames for determining the weight carried by said wheel. and

means for optionally connecting said wheel rigid ly to one of saidframes to prevent relative movement therebetween.

50. In combination. a vehicle frame, front and rear supportingwheelstherefor. an attachment frame, means for detachably mounting the latterframe on said vehicle frame. an additional.

supporting wheel connected to said attachment frame for verticalmovement relative thereto. yielding means acting downwardly upon saidadditional supporting wheel and reacting upward- 1y against saidattachment frame, and means for optionally connecting said wheel rigidlyto said attachment frame to prevent said relative vertical movement toprovide for supporting said attachment frame rigidly upon said wheelwhen the vehicle frame is removed from the attachment frame.

ALVIN W. OEHLER. RALPH L. ANDERSON.

Patent No 2, 160, h86.

ALvIn w. 0mm, ET AL.'

It is herebyeortitied that errorappears in the printed specification ofthe above numbered patent requiring correction asfellows: PageT, firstcolumn, line z zyfor the wordal'out out read out;

page 10, first column,

line 50, c1aim25-, after- "thereto" arxibef'oro the period insert theand to said tractor; and that the said Letters Patent shouldbe read withthis correction theretnthat the uneasy conform to the record of the casein the Patent Office Signed and sealed this 1st day of August; A. D.1959.

Benny Van Lrsdale, Acting comissioner of Patents.

